1

The wicked flee when no man pursueth: but the righteous are bold as a lion.

2

For the transgression of a land many are* the princes thereof: but by a man of understanding and* knowledge the state thereof* shall be prolonged.

3

A poor man that oppresseth the poor is like* a sweeping rain which leaveth no food.

4

They that forsake the law praise the wicked: but such as keep the law contend with them.

5

Evil men understand not judgment: but they that seek the \+w LORD|strong="H3068"\+w** understand all things*.

6

Better is* the poor that walketh in his uprightness, than he that is* perverse in his* ways, though he be* rich.

7

Whoso keepeth the law is* a wise son: but he that is a companion of riotous men* shameth his father.

8

He that by usury and unjust gain increaseth his substance, he shall gather it for him that will pity the poor.

9

He that turneth away his ear from hearing the law, even his prayer shall be* abomination.

10

Whoso causeth the righteous to go astray in an evil way, he shall fall himself into his own pit: but the upright shall have good things* in possession.

11

The rich man is* wise in his own conceit; but the poor that hath understanding searcheth him out.

12

When righteous men* do rejoice, there is* great glory: but when the wicked rise, a man is hidden.

13

He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them* shall have mercy.

14

Happy is* the man that feareth alway: but he that hardeneth his heart shall fall into mischief.

15

As* a roaring lion, and a ranging bear; so is* a wicked ruler over the poor people.

16

The prince that wanteth understanding is* also a great oppressor: but* he that hateth covetousness shall prolong his* days.

17

A man that doeth violence to the blood of any* person shall flee to the pit; let no man stay him.

18

Whoso walketh uprightly shall be saved: but he that is* perverse in his* ways shall fall at once.

19

He that tilleth his land shall have plenty of bread: but he that followeth after vain persons* shall have poverty enough.

20

A faithful man shall abound with blessings: but he that maketh haste to be rich shall not be innocent.

21

To have respect of persons is* not good: for for a piece of bread that* man will transgress.

22

He that hasteth to be rich hath* an evil eye, and considereth not that poverty shall come upon him.

23

He that rebuketh a man afterwards shall find more favour than he that flattereth with the tongue.

24

Whoso robbeth his father or his mother, and saith, It is* no transgression; the same is* the companion of a destroyer.

25

He that is of a proud heart stirreth up strife: but he that putteth his trust in the \+w LORD|strong="H3068"\+w** shall be made fat.

26

He that trusteth in his own heart is a fool: but whoso walketh wisely, he shall be delivered.

27

He that giveth unto the poor shall not lack: but he that hideth his eyes shall have many a curse.

28

When the wicked rise, men hide themselves: but when they perish, the righteous increase.